Liverpool have made their position on Martin Zubimendi very clear as one of their Premier League rivals moves towards a deal.
The Reds were strongly linked with a move for the Spanish midfielder in the summer after Real Sociedad accepted a bid. But he made a U-turn and turned down a move to Anfield, opting to stay with his current side instead.
But that could soon change. Reports suggest that Premier League rivals Arsenal have completed a £51million deal for Zubimendi and are keen to sign him as soon as possible.
Sociedad is keen to get the buffers moving, and there is a good chance that a switch will be made official next summer. Despite their previous interest, Liverpool have rejected the chance of a new move.
Arne Slot is already blessed with options in midfield, especially after the revival of Ryan Gravenberch this season, meaning Zubimendi is no longer needed. Earlier this season, the Dutchman made this clear, while suggesting that renewed action for Zubimendi was not on the agenda.
He said: “If you've noticed it's not so much one midfielder, it's a little more two. And one of those two could be a bit more attacking and I think the player you mentioned [Zubimendi] could have fit into either of those two roles and Ryan [Gravenberch] fits both roles, as does Curtis [Jones] can, [Alexis] Mac Allister can and Wataru [Endo] can.
“There is no point in talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed at Real Sociedad and we have moved on and we are very happy with Ryan.”
Meanwhile, Zubimendi opened up about why he decided to turn down a move to Anfield. Speaking to El Diario Vasco last month, he said: “I went on holiday and it surprised me. It wasn't something I had planned.
“I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me, but I weighed the pros and cons and came to the conclusion that staying was the best option. I don't believe in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. If you are good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There's no need to rush. I looked at my personal progress, who I am and the club's project.
“I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had to take steps. It wasn't that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was to stay.”
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